Welcome! We’re excited to share some of our favorite happenings and events around the Mad River Valley. From seasonal festivals and outdoor adventures to arts and cultural activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for updates that celebrate the unique spirit of the Mad River Valley. And don’t forget to book your stay at one of our four lodges.
Waitsfield Farmer’s Market
NOW THROUGH OCT. 17, 2026
Held every Saturday from May to October, the Waitsfield Farmers Market is a weekly celebration of Vermont’s local flavor. Browse over 50 vendors offering farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious eats while enjoying live music in the heart of the Mad River Valley.
Back Porch Music Series
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Spend an easy summer evening at the Back Porch Music Series at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield. This free outdoor series brings live music, food, and drinks to the farm from 5 to 9 PM, with lawn games out for the kids and plenty of room to spread out. No outside food or drinks, and pets stay home for this one. It’s an easygoing way to wind down the week and catch some local talent in the Mad River Valley.
Siptemberfest 2026
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Often called the best little beer festival in Vermont, Siptemberfest returns to Mad River Glen from 1 to 5 PM. The event stays small on purpose, with a tight lineup of brewers and a limited number of tickets, so it tends to sell out early. Expect Vermont beer, live music, and mountain air just up the road from the valley floor.
Outpour 2026
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
Outpour 2026 brings a day of live music and community to Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush. Doors open at 2 PM with music going until 8, featuring Talking Dreads, The Detonators, and Mal Maiz. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity, so every ticket helps a good cause. Expect local food, drinks, and a fun afternoon on the mountain.
Bristol Harvest Festival
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
The Bristol Harvest Festival takes over the Bristol Town Green starting at 10 AM, about a 30-minute drive from the valley. Look for local vendors, food, live music, and family activities as the leaves start to turn. It pairs well with a fall drive on the way there or back.
Oktoberfest '26
OCTOBER 10, 2026
Dust off your dirndls and lederhosen, Oktoberfest is back at Sugarbush. Spend the day at Lincoln Peak with Bavarian food, local brews, live music, stein-holding contests, and crisp Vermont fall air. With foliage close to peak color, it’s one of the most fun ways to spend an October Saturday in the Mad River Valley.
36th Annual Green Mountain Photo Show
SEPTEMBER 13 THROUGH OCTOBER 11, 2026
The Green Mountain Photo Show returns to Mad River Valley Arts for its 36th year, with a wide range of photography from local and visiting artists. The show runs from September 13 through October 11, which lines up with foliage season, so it pairs well with a fall visit. It is an easy, low-key stop for anyone who enjoys art and wants a break from the trails.
Green and Gold Weekend at Mad River Glen
OCTOBER 3-4, 2026
Green and Gold Weekend is Mad River Glen’s fall celebration, and it lands right in the heart of foliage season. The main draw is foliage lift rides on the mountain’s famous Single Chair, running both Saturday and Sunday from about 10 AM to 2:30 PM, with round-trip rides from base to summit for wide views of the fall color. Stark’s Pub and the General Store are open too, so it is easy to make a half-day of it. Tickets are sold at the window, and it pairs well with a leaf-peeping stay in the valley.
Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival
OCTOBER 11, 2026
The Middlebury Car Show and Fall Festival brings classic cars, local vendors, and fall festival fun to Middlebury from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is about a 45-minute drive from the valley, which makes it a nice pairing with a foliage drive on the way there or back. Bring the family and enjoy a low-key fall day out.
Community Day at Sugarbush
OCTOBER 11, 2026
Sugarbush hosts its annual Community Day, a family-friendly celebration of the Mad River Valley and the resort’s local partners. It lands on a peak foliage weekend, which makes it a great time to ride up for mountain views, enjoy food and activities, and take in the color. It pairs nicely with a leaf-peeping stay in the valley.